חנוכה @ Breuer's

photo credit: Guess Who's Coming 2 Dinner

Khal Adath Jeshurun, the Frankfurt-derived German Kehilloh in Washington Heights, is a long-time mainstay of its neighborhood, and of Minhag Ashkenaz, its sacred ritual tradition. Over the past few decades, with the rise in popularity of the suburban lifestyle and the subsequent emigration of many of KAJ's offspring, חנוכה has become a homecoming, a pilgrimage of sorts, where those who are no longer necessarily part of the Kehilloh on a regular basis visit the shul of their youth, reclaiming memories and nostalgia of a time (for them, though not for those who are still part of their beloved Kehilloh) gone by. Sunday evening of חנוכה, in particular, has become a popular time to visit, many families making חנוכה parties then, thereby facilitating an ongoing connection with the Kehilloh for their children and grandchildren who may have since relocated elsewhere. In recent years, Sunday night חנוכה @ Breuer's (as KAJ is colloquially and affectionately known) has become something of a tourist attraction, with visitors (even those who have no other particular association with the Kehilloh) coming from far and wide to see one of the few remaining bastions of an ancient tradition, with its Chazzon, choir, and various other distinct and singular accoutrements, both general and חנוכה-related. Here we present a series of videos, in chronological order, of this unique and special experience. Submissions welcome.